What is our permaculture smallholding
In August 2015 we moved to a bungalow nestled in a 2.5 acre garden and woodland and are developing an organic permaculture household for food, wood fuel, habitat, well-being, abundant foraging, leisure and education and livelihood.
We are a domestic micro-smallholding where we are able to live a creative, sustainable and resilient lifestyle by the permaculture principles of People Care, Earth Care and Fair Share: a place where people can visit, stay, learn from and be inspired by an example of an organic smallholding incorporating a home based economy and resilient business plan.
We have used permaculture design to create a place where we can live in a harmonious ecological balance which provides us with many of our needs: food, a comfortable place to live, a livelihood, but also habitat for wildlife, and a place to share what we are learning. We have meadows, forest gardens, mixed woodland, a kitchen garden growing vegetables, salads, herbs, fruit, six free range hens and wild flowers to encourage insects and pollinators. We use organic and no dig methods to create healthy soil, working with closed loop systems so nothing is wasted, either through composting, wormeries, mulching, materials reusing and wood processing for fuel.
On-site, we have built a compost toilet and a Yurt for use during events and workshops, and two eco camping huts for guests wanting a sustainable, Permaculture inspired holiday. We have used natural and organic materials to eco renovate the bungalow and installed renewable energies such as solar PV, solar hot water and biomass heating, as well as energy efficiency measures to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint. We have an arts and crafts studio where we work to create artwork and handmade products.
We are also involved with a community initiative in Muir of Ord called MOO Food, which aims to reduce carbon emmissions, food waste and social isolation and create a healthy community and food culture through growing, sharing, and educating. We have planted a permaculture designed orchard of 50 fruit trees, planted incredible edible inspired veg, salad, herb and fruit beds, installed a community fridge and have an education programme with the local school and community groups.
